I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I’m a bargain shopper. I love stretching a dollar and getting the best possible deal I can find.

This is precisely why I love the Stamp It! 3 Ways section of our latest special issue Stamp It! Cards. I’m always drawn to the creativity and diversity of three projects that all use one stamp set (talk about stretching your supplies AND your dollar).

Our designers are experts at thinking outside the box when it comes to techniques and occasions that seem to magically appear from a single stamp set. Take the Grow Love, Plant a Tree set from My Favorite Things:

Turn to p. 85 in Stamp It! Cards for a closer look at these 3-Ways cards.

Have I converted you to the ways of saving money while still making oodles of cards? If not, I’ve got a few more tricks up my sleeve. The Paper Crafts Go-to Gals have joined forces to show you the diversity of two more stamp sets. Three gals made cards from one stamp set and three gals made cards from another set. Visit each of their blogs and discover how easy it is to maximize your stamps with a bit of technique and a lot of creativity!

And since this week is all about celebrating stamping, I can’t leave without offering one whopper of a prize. One lucky winner will win ALL SIX STAMP SETS featured in Stamp It! 3 Ways. That’s right, someone will win:

If that’s not enough, you can enter to win SEVEN TIMES! Please leave a comment here and on the blogs of all six Paper Crafts Go-to Gals. Each time you leave a comment you will be entered to win. As an extra incentive, all Go-to Gals will be giving away copies of Stamp It! Cards on their blogs. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Friday, Feb. 26.

Happily stamping,
Brandy

P.S. Today on Moxie Fab World, Cath is featuring an “Ask Around” with Jennifer McGuire. There’s also a chance to win some fabulous Hero Arts stamps!

Congrats, winners! You’ve each won a fun prize package from American Crafts and a copy of Stamp It! Cards! Kelly will be contacting you shortly to get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!

Welcome to day two of our exciting Card Creations: Start to Finish Week! We hope you enjoyed yesterday’s spotlight on cover girl Tanis Giesbrecht and are now starting to see the design possibilities for the insides of your cards.

“My answer is a big huge YES!!! There is no question I will have time for this…I would quit my job to make time…LOL. My family is going to be sick of me asking them to take a thousand pictures for a good headshot. Haha. I knew 2010 was going to be a good year. This is an amazing way to start it off. I appreciate it and am so totally honored!”

Editor’s note: If Charlene’s employer is reading this post, she was totally kidding about the “quitting my job” remark. She’s completely loyal to you. I promise.

Let’s get to know Miss Charlene!

Charlene Austin

1. Where did you grow up?

In Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I’m still here.

2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do?

I work part-time as a Property Claims Adjuster {please don’t hold it against me}.

3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you?

I’m going to go with Jennifer Garner. Not because she looks anything like me {I wish}, but she’s a fun actress and she named her dog Martha Stewart. What’s not to like?

4.What song would you choose as the theme song for your life?

I can’t think of a theme song for my life, so I thought I’d just give you a good laugh and tell you my favorite song of all time: Careless Whispers by George Michael. I know, the 80’s rocked, right?

5.What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you?

Most people find the fact that I have a rice phobia pretty crazy. There is no explanation for it, but I have never and could never eat rice.

6. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting?

My BFF Wendy Bond. She invited me to a card party she was hosting. At first I didn’t “get it”, but it wasn’t long before I become obsessed passionate about card making.

7.What is your biggest paper crafting challenge?

My biggest challenge is actually getting myself off the computer and going to my craft room to make something. I get lost in cyber space for hours on end, and then I’m too tired or overwhelmed to create.

8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be?

Ribbon and my sewing machine. They can both be the perfect final touch to a card.

9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why?

I would have to say Christmas. The products and the project ideas are endless.

10. How would you describe your style?

I’m not quite sure I have a distinct style, but I aim to make fresh and clean cards with a touch of originality here and there.

In Charlene's She is Strength Card, she carries the design and sentiment from the front to the inside.

11. When is your favorite time to craft?

More often than not, I’m heading to my craft room around 11 p.m. and I stay there until 2-3 a.m. Only on my days off and weekends, of course.

12. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting?

It’s not music, but rather my TV that is turned on while I’m in the craft room. And it’s usually set on the Food Channel. No wonder I get hungry at 2 a.m.!

13. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion?

While he doesn’t “participate” in crafting, my husband was very supportive when he realized how much I loved my new hobby. He suggested we develop our basement, and helped me create a beautiful craft room.

14. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized?

I’m a bit of a mess when it comes to organization of calls and deadlines, so I end up being very last-minute. My process includes a lot of photo boxes and sticky notes. It’s not pretty, people!

15. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then?

Card Creations, Vol. 7. It wasn’t that long ago, but I think I have been all over the board and back again trying to find my “Char Card” style.

In Charlene's There is No Doubt Card, she finishes her sentiment on the inside. We love her "Char Card" style!

16. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones?

Teri Anderson – I love her clean and oh, so playful style. “Meeting” her cards each day makes me smile.

Jennifer McGuire – She’s incredibly talented, but what I love is that she’s just so real and down to earth in her videos. Fun stuff.

18.Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time?

If you would like to see your work published in the magazines, you need to know that it IS possible and you CAN make it happen. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get immediate results. Try and try again.

19. What was your inspiration for your Sunny Thank You card that appears on the cover of Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2?

When I made this card I was just enjoying putting together some of my very favorite things – Papertrey’s Summer Sunrise cardstock, crocheted flowers and a new K&Company pad of patterned paper. Yummy! I also have a thing for stamping sentiments and then cutting it out to add to the card. This card is clean and simple, so to carry the design to the inside, all it needed was matching blocks of patterned paper to make it flow.

In Charlene's Sunny Thank You Card, she carries the design (color blocks) from the front to the inside.

20. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.

I do have a blog (www.willowandpaisley.typepad.com). For those of you who would like to purchase Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2, please visit my blog to hear about the special deal you can get!

Thanks, Charlene! Our friends at Technique Tuesdaywere nice enough to donate three sets of their Loving Words stamp set by Ali Edwards – the same set Charlene used to create her Sunny Thank You and There is No Doubt cards. Please leave a comment and I’ll pick three random winners to receive this set, plus a copy of Card Creations: Start to Finish, Vol. 2. All comments must be received bymidnight (MST) on Wednesday, Jan. 13.

Three lucky people will win this fun sentiment set from Technique Tuesday!

Happy Tuesday!
Kelly

P.S. Make sure you join us tomorrow for our final spotlight on cover girl Becky Olsen!

Welcome to Magazine Monday! I don’t know about you, but here at Paper Crafts we’re in full Christmas countdown mode. Today we’re decorating our hot pink, lime green and ruby red tree for the Festival of the Trees, a fundraiser that benefits Primary Children’s Medical Center. Make sure you stop by the Paper Crafts Facebook fan page to see pictures of our tree in all its yuletide glory.

If some of you are still needing a little push to get you in the holiday spirit, I thought I would bring in an expert on all things Christmas. She had so many gorgeous cards in Holidays Cards & More, Volume 4, I just knew she would be the perfect designer spotlight for this most festive time of year.

Grinches beware…let’s get to know the talentedBecky Oehlers!

Becky Oehlers

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Bryn Athyn, PA , which is right outside of Philadelphia.

2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do?

I am a professional opera singer and sing in many ensembles both in Philadelphia and New York City. I am also on the voice faculty at Drexel University.

3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you?

Judy Garland, if she were still alive.

4.What song would you choose as the theme song for your life?

This is a hard one for me…I love all types of music from Bach to Alison Krauss to newly composed music, but I would have to say that Beethoven’s 7th Symphony would be a pretty great theme song.

5.What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you?

That I was a double major in college for both voice and french horn performance.

I think my challenge and my strength at the same time is trying to be innovative and really mold myself to the design of each stamp set that I work with. I try to let the style of the set dictate the art that comes from it.

Jingle All the Way Card by Becky Oehlers

8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be?

A well-designed stamp set and Copics. You are only as good as your tools.

9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why?

That’s easy! Christmas. Definitely. I love getting the house all cozy and dramatic, and I think that comes across in the work I create. I think I always do my best work around Christmastime.

Warm Winter Wishes Card by Becky Oehlers

10. How would you describe your style?

Whimsical elegance

11. When is your favorite time to craft?

Very late at night. I have been guilty of staying up until 3 a.m. several times in my crafting life.

12. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting?

None. It actually distracts me.

13. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion?

My girls Emma (11) and Sophia (9) have often had card making sessions with me on the side. They have a little table in my studio. They even have their own small set of Copics!

My husband is too busy collecting his own stamps. He is a philatelist.

14. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized?

This is a weakness of mine. I am learning to print out all assignments and keep them in a book. I have gotten much better, but organization is a learned task for me.

15. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then?

17.Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.

Debbie Olson – She is a true artist. My husband even says he wants to be like her when he grows up!

Julie Ebersole – I really like her simple and playful approach to card making. That really appeals to me.

Jeffrey Rudell – He doesn’t stamp, doesn’t have a blog, but what this man can do with paper completely inspires me and blows my mind! Google him!

18.Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time?

I think in any situation like this fear is the only thing that will hold you back. Don’t be scared. Submit and submit. If you never try, you will never succeed. The worst thing that they could say is “no”. Oh, well! Try again!

19. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.

Thanks, Becky! I’m definitely in the Christmas spirit now! Leave a comment for Becky here and one lucky winner will take home all of Becky’s Holiday Cards and More cards (pictured above), plus two other surprise gems! All comments must be received bymidnight (MDT) on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

Happy Monday!
Kelly

P.S. Since we know all of you like a good deal, make sure you take advantage of our huge Warehouse Blowout Sale at ShopScrapandPaperCorner.com! From now until midnight tonight, save 60% off select product, PLUS get free shipping and handling (on U.S. orders only) if $25 or more is spent. (Hint: The delicious–and I do mean delicious!–Paper Crafts Gourmet cookbook is only $17! Buy one for you and one for a friend!)

Congrats, winners! You’ve each won a copy of Holiday Cards and More, Volume 4 and Making Memories Flowers stamp set. I’ll be contacting you shortly to get your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left comments!

Welcome to Magazine Monday! I hope everyone is in full Halloween countdown mode. Like I mentioned last Friday, here at Paper Crafts, we’re anxiously counting down the days until we can reveal our team costume. It’s going to be a real scream! (Hint: That may be a clue!)

Since little gremlins will soon be creeping up your walkway, I thought I would bring in an expert on all things Halloween. With two of her four daughters celebrating birthdays near this frightfully fun holiday, I just knew she would have some spooktacular ideas to share. Not to mention, I’m just batty for this designer, and have been wanting to spotlight her for many moons now…

So without further ado, let’s get to know the bewitchingLisa Johnson!

Lisa Johnson

1. Where did you grow up?

I grew up in Alaska – the Chugiak/Eagle River area. I was born in California though, and spent a lot of time there also.

2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do?

Nope, but I volunteer in schools and am very involved in my church.

3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you?

My girls wouldn’t hesitate to say Reese Witherspoon – with brown hair. (I don’t see any resemblance beyond us both being short.) I can’t imagine them making such a boring movie though. LOL!

4.What song would you choose as the theme song for your life?

I have to laugh…my girls screamed out the theme from Mission Impossible! LOL! (Should I be offended?) I think it’s more like Singin’ in the Rain. I do try to find the happy in life.

5.What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you?

Most people are surprised when they hear me sing…I have a very full alto voice. My talking voice is more on the Minnie Mouse end of the spectrum!

6. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting?

My good friend Joan invited me over for a stamping party…that was the beginning of it all!

7.What is your biggest paper crafting challenge?

Scrapbooking! I’ve just never found my groove. I recently took a great photography class so that might change!

8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be?

ONLY TWO? Sheesh…Okay, um…stamps (and ink since you have to have ink to stamp, right? So they really are one in the same!) and a synthetic sponge. I usually add depth by lightly sponging my cardstock edges. LOVE IT!

Lisa Johnson's Swirl Boo Card

9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why?

This may sound strange but I love Just Because. There is something so inspiring about creating a project for someone with the sheer intention of brightening their day!

10. How would you describe your style?

This is always a hard question for me to answer…I don’t think I have a specific style. I like clean and simple, vintage, detailed, glam…I pretty much love it all! I’ve heard recently from my friends that my style is clean and classy though.

Lisa Johnson's Boo Treat Box

11. When is your favorite time to craft?

After lunch and reaaaaaaly late at night!

12. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting?

None! I start dancing and singing and can’t create or design. I do listen to audio books and watch movies though.

13. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion?

Well, the mere fact that I have four daughters sort of answers that! I have supplies set aside in a drawer just for them, and an area in my studio. We make everything from cards for their friends to birthday gifts. We are a bunch of busy bees!

14. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized?

I print them and put them in order on a clipboard that I hang from my studio desk. I also add the dates to my computer calendar and send myself e-mail reminders the morning of the call so I don’t forget to actually submit my projects! I pretty much assume I will forget unless it’s e-mailed in a reminder to me…so I do it with every appointment and deadline!

15. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then?

Oh my…this really ages me! My first project ever published was for the 2005 Stamping Royalty Card Contest. I think my style may have become just a little more detailed since then.

16. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones?

17.Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.

Debbie Olson – Everything Debbie creates is so full of depth and exudes a solid sense of design. I’ve watched her for so many years in awe. Her work is full and decadent!

Nichole Heady – When I first started being published, a friend pointed out to me how amazing this PaperCrafts designer was. I started taking notice and fell in love with her immaculate and innovative creations. Always perfection in paper!

Melissa Phillips – Have you ever seen someone’s style that was so different from your own and fell in love? Melissa’s warm, eclectic, vintage touches and candy sweet creations exude her equally sweet personality. Guiltless pleasure!

18.Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time?

The best thing to realize is that just because it’s not picked up doesn’t mean it’s not good! Have faith in your work and keep trying. It just might not have met the editorial needs at that time.

19. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL.

Thanks, Lisa! Your Halloween projects are simply boo-tiful! If any of you are looking for something sweet to put in your treat containers, make sure you check out Lisa’s “Spooky Sweets” post. Leave a comment for Lisa here and I’ll pick three lucky winners to win a sweet surprise! All comments must be received bymidnight (MDT) on Tuesday, Oct. 27.

Here’s to the sweet life!
Kelly

P.S. If you’ve been inspired by Lisa’s Halloween projects, why not make your own and upload them to our October Gallery Challenge? The deadline is midnight (MDT) tonight, so don’t delay!

Welcome to Magazine Monday! Thanks for joining us as we officially countdown to our fourth annual World Card Making Day on Saturday, Oct. 3. I already feel the love and support for this holiday. Last Friday I left the comment prompt: “Why do you think card-making has such an universal appeal?” Here’s a few of my favorite comments:

“I can’t imagine there is anyone in this wide world of ours that doesn’t enjoy receiving a handmade card that let’s them know that they matter to someone.” ~Mary Lou

“It’s something that everybody can do no matter their age, income or skill level. It comes from the heart and is always appreciated. Cards are like little kisses. They’re little packages of happiness.” ~Sheila

“I think card-making has such a universal appeal because deep down all of us have times when we’ve needed a little pick-me-up from a friend and I think all of us hope, that at some time, we can be that for someone else when they need it – cards are a simple but effective way to say you’re thinking of someone – no matter what the occasion.” ~Cathy

And since we’re all about sharing the love of card-making, we’re once again partnering with creative editor Cath Edvalson and her Moxie Fab World blog. Today on her worldwide tour of card-making, she’s featuring some beautiful cards from Europe. Make sure you find a comfy seat on the”Moxie Fab Express” because each day this week she’ll be taking you to new countries and introducing you to cards and designers you’ve never seen before! Who knew stamping your passport could be so easy!

Today I have the opportunity to spotlight the UK-based magazine PaperCraft inspirations. I got the chance to pick the brain of one of their willing staff members, a Miss Jennifer Phin. Even though our magazines are literally worlds apart, I was surprised by her answers to my questionnaire. Card-making really is an universal hobby that bridges all cultures, languages and people. So without further ado (what a nice British word!), let’s go inside the pages of England’s PaperCraft inspirations!

Here's PaperCraft inspirations' November 2009 cover.

1. What is PaperCraft inspirations magazine?

PaperCraft inspirations is the UK’s best selling card magazine! As well as lots of card projects for our readers to try, we share paper crafting tips, tricks, inspirations and the latest craft products.
2. What types of projects does your publication predominantly feature? Cards? Scrapbook Layouts/Mini Albums? Gift Wrap? Home décor?

We focus mainly on cards of all kinds ­– paper pieced, 3D, pop-up, stamped and more! But we also regularly feature gift boxes, tags and wrapping, as well as scrapbooking ideas.

3. What occasions do your readers like to paper craft the most?

Birthdays and Christmas are the major occasions for card makers, but we know that our readers also make cards to say “Congratulations”, “Good luck”, “Thanks”, and “Get well”. In our recent survey, we discovered that on average our readers make a whopping 226 cards every year!

Here's a cute example of a card that appears in PaperCraft inspirations.

4. What techniques are your readers most interested in?

Our readers love to learn new techniques; we have a Master Class every issue to introduce them to more specialized areas of paper crafting. They also enjoy using our free templates to make layered and paper pieced cards, and are mad about stamping, stickers and decoupage, too!
5. What differences in style do you notice between UK readers and American readers? How are they similar?

We think UK and American crafters have very similar tastes and passions – in fact, we’ve heard from some readers here who have crafty pen pals in the U.S.! They swap cards and ATCs and really enjoy sharing tips.

6. Would you say card making has risen in popularity in the United Kingdom?

Card making has always been popular; the difference now is that crafters have access to more exciting new products thanks to the Internet and specialist stores like HobbyCraft. Crafting groups and clubs have definitely become more popular, which has played a big part in making the craft community more visible.

7. Why do you think paper crafting has such universal appeal?

Handmade cards are such a personal way to send special messages – we know that our creations will be cherished for years to come. Every creation is unique, low-budget and given with love – what could be better?

8. How will your publication be celebrating World Card Making Day on Saturday, Oct. 3?

We trumpeted the good news of World Card Making Day in our October issue, so we hope our readers will be joining in by making cards with friends and family, visiting the official web site and generally crafting their socks off!
9. Why is it important to have a holiday that commemorates paper crafting?

Everyday life is so busy with work, kids and chores that it’s important to take time to celebrate the skill and talent of card makers, and to dedicate a little time to our favorite hobby. Giving over a whole day to crafting might feel quite decadent to many card makers, but – hey! – we deserve it.

I couldn’t agree more, Jennifer! Thanks so much for sharing your magazine with us and answering some of our burning questions. We wish everyone in England a very merry World Card Making Day!

Are you ready for today’s giveaway? I was blown away when Jennifer revealed that PaperCraft inspirations readers make 226 cards each year! I love to hear how many you make a year (rough estimate, please). Leave a comment and I’ll randomly pick two people to win Dream Street Papers’ Wonderland and Angel Heart collections, PaperTrey Ink’s Polka Dot Basics stamp set and a copy of Holiday Cards & More, Volume 4. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Wednesday, Sept. 30.

‘Tis the season for ribbons, paper galore and homemade gifts tied up in pretty things! As we celebrate an early Christmas this week on the ol’ Paper Crafts blog, I’m excited to share with you a tag I created for this very fun special issue that is overflowing with amazing holiday creations.

The little diddy shown below and featured in Holiday Cards & More, Vol. 4 was made with love from the super cute KI Memories collection, “Festive.” I love the bright colors and whimsical design that captures the fun side of the holiday season, and I’d love to give away a set of this collection along with a copy of this extra special holiday issue. Just leave me a comment by Friday, August 28 at midnight MDT and I’ll choose three winners.

Christmas Heart Tag (p. 106)

I can’t believe that we’re already gearing up for this season and all that it brings. It seems that every season sneaks up on us whether we are prepared for it or not! I also know that along with the seasons of fall, winter, summer and spring, there comes other seasons in our lives… all of which serve a purpose and shape who we are. I love this little reminder that is perched on my mantle that helps me remember that there truly is a season and time for every purpose in our lives.

This lovely quote greets me each and every day.

Six years ago, seeds were planted during a time of my life that has grown and flourished and become one of my most bountiful seasons. Those seeds were planted in the rich soil of Paper Crafts and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have grown and flourished within the pages of this magazine, as they themselves grew from a single issue. I was there in the beginning and have thoroughly enjoyed this little season of my life. My greatest accomplishment has come within the pages of The Joy of Card Making and The Joy of Card Making: A Second Helping special issues.

I’m so grateful for Valerie Pingree and Jennafer Martin for their vision and belief in me as we worked together to bring you little card recipes for you to use in your card making. I will never forget the late night hours with two sleeping little ones tucked in their beds, as I worked on sketches and cards to share with you, our beloved readers. After the success of both issues, I was then asked to become a Paper Crafts Pro and continued to share with you my love and passion for paper crafting each month. I have also traveled across the country to Canada and even on a Caribbean Cruise to teach eager students who are ready to learn and share in this amazing hobby!

As this season of my life comes to a close, I can’t say goodbye without saying thank you to those that have helped shape my life during this season…

Valerie Pingree – who saw something in me the very first day and captured the vision of The Joy of Card Making from the first moment she laid eyes on it. I owe this all to you!

Jennafer Martin – oh, how I have missed her! The e-mails and phone calls over the years as we worked together on The Joy of Card Making series and other special issues when she was managing editor of Paper Crafts. Jennafer, you are one of the most amazing and influential women in the editorial department and I’m so proud to have worked with you. You deserve your new title more than ANYONE, and I’m a better person for having known you!

Nichole Heady – we became Paper Crafts Pro buddies from the very beginning. We’ve shared moments of laughter and late night talks as we discussed everything from our children, snakes that roam her Tennessee backyard and the latest and greatest in paper, ribbon and stamps. I’m so proud of you and your risk to make your dreams come true… Papertrey Ink. I love ya, friend!

Alisa Bangerter – There isn’t anyone that is more genuine, honest and sincere than this dear friend. Alisa, you are so very talented and I’m so proud of you! I love watching your segments on KSL as you have taken flight in your own new adventures. I will be the first in line to buy your book… so you better get it written!

Melissa Phillips – Seriously, can there be anyone sweeter than you?! Oh, sweet Melissa, how I love ya, girlie! You are THE MOST talented gal I know and best little mommy! Thank you for always being there, listening to me and being a part of this season in my life!

Sue Neal – If you haven’t taken a class from Sue, then you are truly missing out! She is one of the best teachers I know and is so full of life. I’m so glad we share some Idaho roots and that we have become such good friends! Best of luck with your cute card kits and I’ll see you at the conventions!

Stacy Croninger – There was no one better to take the helm of Paper Crafts after Valerie stepped down than you! I have missed your Laffy Taffy jokes and fun sense of humor! I’m so grateful that you are still a part of this huge family and that I get to see you at the Creating Keepsakes Conventions… I’m such a lucky gal!

Cath Edvalson – There really aren’t any words to adequately describe this amazing lady! We have spent several years working together and I have learned so much from her! Cath, I will never forget when you told me you had an “emotional reaction” over a picture frame I created years ago… that is my greatest compliment from you. Thank you!

Brenda Peterson – The glue that holds the entire Paper Crafts family together. I have worked with Brenda since that very first day and she is still here to keep everyone going! Thank you for your hard work and making sure I get paid!

Jennifer, Brandy, Kelly and Susan – The rest of the gals that round out the amazing editorial staff of Paper Crafts magazine. Although our time spent together was very short, I’m so grateful that I have had the opportunity to have known and worked with you. Brandy, thank you for your wonderful home where we met many times to brainstorm, laugh and enjoy good food! Kelly, you have taken the blogging world by fire and you are amazing with what you do. Susan, you have added a whole other element to this family… thank you for your presence and hard work! Jennifer – everyone is in good hands with you leading the team. Thank you for your help and understanding during very difficult times.

Paper Crafts Loyal Readers – all I can say is… thank you. Thank you for your loyal support every month as you read the pages of this amazing magazine. We all love you!

As with every season in our lives, when one comes to a close, another one begins to come to life. And so it is with my own little journey in life. Although my season with Paper Crafts magazine has come to a close, I’m beyond excited and thrilled for my new season that is just beginning to sprout. As the new Education Coordinator for Piggy Tales, I will be designing classes and traveling across the country doing what I love the very most… teaching! I will also be designing projects galore through our monthly kit club, PTA, and many other assignments and adventures that are about to unfold. So, drop by our web site and you will be able to continue to see me in all that Piggy Tales has to offer… you don’t want to miss out!

And last, but not least, I must thank my sweet husband. He was there that very first day when I had the idea to submit my work. He has encouraged me every step of the way, washed dishes, mopped floors and wiped runny noses from two little faces when I have been buried in deadlines! If it weren’t for him, my dreams would have never come true! I love you, babe!

May we each remember that there truly is a “season and a time to every purpose” as we each journey through life… may you live each season that comes your way to the very fullest!

Wendy, Founding Paper Crafts Pro

P.S. If you’re a new reader and interested in learning more about The Joy of Card Making special issues, we’re currently offering a “Buy One, Get One” sale. If you buy the first volume, you’ll get “A Second Helping” for FREE! Click HERE to reserve your copies today!

Are you all enjoying meeting our Go-to Gals as much as we are enjoying introducing them? Tuesdays and Thursdays have taken on a whole new meaning in our parts. Well, I don’t want to tease you any longer (we are pretending you haven’t already read the title and you are desperate with suspense).

Today I have the great privilege of introducing the amazing Ms. Jessica Witty! Jessica is an uber talented stamper with a brilliant way with both words and paper. Jessica is the proud mama of three bitty Wittys and has a personality that is dynamite (just wait until you read some of her responses). If being amazingly talented and intelligent wasn’t enough, Jessica is also a fountain of fabulous tips and tricks (get the perfect bow every time by flipping your project upside down and then tying your ribbon… I’ve tried this and it TOTALLY works!).

So, are you ready to meet this long lost sister of Punky Brewster?

Go-to Gal Jessica Witty

1. Where did you grow up? I spent most of my growing up years deep in the heart of Texas. In fact, my husband and I still live a few miles from our childhood homes.

2. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do? In my pre-SAHM days, I worked as a radio script editor and writer for an internationally broadcast radio ministry. I’ve been a SAHM for a few years and I enjoy the craziness that defines my life now!

3. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you? Oh, good grief… um… the girl who used to play Punky Brewster? Punky and I used to be twins back in the 80’s.

Jessica and Punky... separated at birth?

4. What song would you choose as the theme song for your life? “Walkin’ on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves. And for a more serious choice, “Be Thou My Vision”.

5. What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you? I have three first-born children. Seriously! Two of my three kids are adopted, and both times we had no idea we would be adopting before we were asked to. With baby #3 (Noelle) we only had seven days time between being asked to adopt and being at the hospital for her arrival. That was only 11 weeks ago, so my head is still spinning!

6. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting? Like so many of you, I’ve always been crafty. However, I *cannot* draw. At all. No sketching skills whatsoever. I always struggled with that because I felt like it meant I couldn’t really be “artsy”. I was totally intrigued when a friend of mine invited me to a stamping party seven years ago. Creative expression using paper and ink but not requiring the ability to draw?! Sign me up!

7. What is your biggest paper crafting challenge? In this season of life… TIME! I have three kids (two of them under the age of two) and all that comes along with it, so my time is definitely limited. That means that I have to be ready to create right when I sit down at my table… and that’s hard for me. Perfectionism is my other battle, and a lack of time + perfectionism just do not equal good results! Honestly, I like to plan out my entire project, down to every detail, before I even put one stamp to paper or make one cut. Lately I’ve been trying to focus on being willing to make mistakes for the sake of getting started and letting my creativity come out during the process.

8. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be? Stamps and ink, no question! My one embellishment necessity would be ribbon. Followed closely by buttons. Huh… apparently I need more than I thought!

I love the way Jessica transformed plain kraft cardstock into this amazing card with a few stamps and a little ink – now THAT is talent!

9. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why? Lately, that would be thank you cards! (I still have many, many to make!) Generally, I’d say either all occasion/friendship or thank you cards.

10. When is your favorite time to craft? Naptime! (The kids’ naptime, not mine!) I used to pull a lot of all-nighters to craft, but that habit went by the wayside as more kids came along and I passed the 30-year mark.

11. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting? None! And for the record, I am so technologically disabled that I could actually be the last person on earth to get an iPod. My work table (a.k.a. dining room table) faces the living room, so I’m generally listening to the oh-so-soothing sounds of my children.

12. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion? My oldest son now has an obsession for paper as well… he says he is going to be a “paper collector” when he grows up! He likes to make his own books and art projects at his little table while I’m working at mine. At Christmas, my husband pitches in with what we affectionately call The-Witty-Family-Christmas-Card-Sweatshop.

13. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized? To be honest, organization is really not my middle name. I finally got a daily planner specifically for my design work and that works really well for me. I track due dates on the monthly layouts, print out any assignment and call details and paper clip them in the appropriate weeks. I also use the daily sections to write and sketch out my project ideas.

14. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then? My very first issue was November 2006 when my first and second submissions ever won spots in the Stamping Royalty contest that year. I’ve definitely refined my style since then… I tend to use much more white space now.

15. What are you looking forward to most about being a Paper Crafts Go-to Gal? You know, the fame… fortune… paparazzi, etc. HA! I’m so looking forward to getting an inside glimpse into the inner workings of Paper Crafts, the challenges that come with our assignments, and continuing to be inspired by what has always been my favorite magazine. This is a long-time goal realized for me and I’m so grateful and excited for the opportunity!

16. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones? I was previously a designer with Paper Salon and I currently design for Emma’s Paperie.

17. Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.

Julie Ebersole was the very first designer who totally struck me years ago with her designs and is still inspiring me to this day. I love her ability to pair brilliant ideas with an editorial eye.

Melissa Phillips and Anabelle O’Malley simply because their styles are so different than mine! I analyze their work to see how they layer and put things together and try to incorporate the feeling of whimsy they have into my own designs.

18. Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time? Focus on your strengths and refine them! Figure out your comfort zone, become proficient at it, then move beyond it. And submit every project along the way! It’s been said before, but you just never know what will be a winner.

19. How would you describe your style? I am definitely a less is more, simple and graphic with clean lines and lots of white space kind of designer. My goal is generally to do more with less, to use what I have, to edit as much as possible while keeping a big visual punch, and to do all of that in a short time frame. Layering and embellishments are definitely a challenge for me… two layers on a card is a lot of layers to me! White space is my friend.

20. Do you have a blog or online gallery? If so, please provide the URL. You can find my work at Emma’s Paperie and I still work with my designer friends from Paper Salon. You can also see my gallery at splitcoaststampers.com. I just launched my blog, and it’s still a little bare but I’ll be posting links and other good things very soon. I’m on Facebook, too.

I told ya… tons of personality in this one! Thanks, Jessica for answering these questions. I for one can’t wait to see all your brilliant projects and read your great tips in the upcoming issues of Paper Crafts.

Make sure you leave sweet Jessica a comment before you run off to check out all the cool stuff she mentioned in her answers. In honor of her three itty bitty Wittys (I just love saying that!), I’ll pick three winners to win a copy of Stamp It! Cards and an assortment of itty bitty stamps. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Wednesday, July 22.

Congrats, winners! You’ve each won two bags of Papertrey Ink buttons! Kelly will be contacting you shortly for your mailing addresses! Thanks to all who left comments on their favorite way to use buttons! Speaking of buttons… that’s the theme for Round 3 in our Gallery Idol competition. Click here to view these 10 amazing button-infused cards. And make sure you cast your vote for your favorite design!

When Brandy offered me this internship, she cautioned that what I got out of it would be determined by what I put into it. My first couple days were a blur; I had no idea what was going on. To put it bluntly, my enthusiasm for paper crafts exceeded my ability… never a good combination.

Luckily for me, the Paper Crafts team was there to help at every step, and answer any and every question I had. I’ve learned a lot interning at Paper Crafts. Can you believe I’ve learned all this in two months?!

I finally learned what a die was. (Almost two months after starting here. I can’t tell you how many times I had to ask Brandy for clarification. Oops!)

I discovered or perhaps re-discovered my inner paper craftress. I will have you know that since starting at Paper Crafts, I have made five cards and a project. It’s a start!

I learned how to set up cards for photography shots.

I have learned how to write supply lists and instructions. After every set of instructions, I re-read them and think, “Hmmm. I think I could do that!”

As a result of said supply lists, I am a self-proclaimed expert with Papertrey Ink’s Perfect Match Cardstock. Aqua Mist, anyone?

I scratched the surface on learning the inner workings of a magazine.

I learned how to do “returns” – mailing projects and complimentary issues back to card designers.

I learned about trends in paper and product; I didn’t know there was so much product out there!

I’ve learned that I want to work here, and I wish my tenure as an intern with Paper Crafts was not coming to a close!

In short, I have loved every minute of working at Paper Crafts and I have learned more than I could in any other setting. I didn’t know what I was going into, but I learned along the way (with lots and lots of help!) and I will really miss my daily dose of creativity from you readers, and of course, the lovely ladies at Paper Crafts!

Congrats, ladies! You’ve each won a stamp set from Papertrey Ink. Kelly will be contacting you shortly for your mailing addresses. Thanks to all who left so many (527 and counting!) comments for Betsy! Make sure you check back here tomorrow when we reveal the identity of mystery Go-to Gal #5!

Okay, friends! I know it’s a bit delayed but we finally have the list of the Gallery Idol Top 10! As always, it was a close race but these 10 gals received the most votes in our around the house-themed card challenge. Here they are in no particular order:

Finalist 1: Jo Kill's Sometimes Life Sucks...Card

Finalist 2: Rae Barthel's Sweet Dreams Card

Finalist 3: Heidi Van Laar's Party Card

Finalist 4: Lizzie Jones' Right at Home Card

Finalist 5: Tessa Wise's The Right Pair of Boots Card

Finalist 6: Carla Peicheff's Kind, Loving, Hugs Card

Finalist 7: Debbie Nicholas' U Make My World Go Round Card

Finalist 8: Belinda Chang's Thanks Laptop Card

Finalist 9: Chris Severs' Hello from the Heart Card

Finalist 10: Shanna Vineyard's Mixed with Love Card

Congratulations, ladies! By making it into our Top 10, you’ve each won a free special issue and this fantastic prize package, courtesy of BasicGrey!

Top 10 Prize Package: BasicGrey’s June Bug collection, plus a free special issue.

Top 10, are you ready for the next theme? Round 3’s theme is… buttons! Whether you create borders, layer them or fashion beautiful button flowers, we want to see your creative and unique uses for BUTTONS! The deadline for submissions is next Monday, July 20 at 9 a.m. (MST). All “Button” cards must be posted to our gallery by this time. Voting for Round 3 will begin at noon!

Best of luck, Top 10!
Kelly

P.S. Since it’s Freebie Friday, I simply can’t blog without giving away a prize. To go along with Gallery Idol’s next button bonanza of a theme, I’m giving away an assortment of fabulously colored buttons from Papertrey Ink. To be entered to win, leave a comment telling me your favorite use for buttons. All comments must be received by midnight (MST) on Monday, July 20. I’ll announce the five winners (each person will receive two bags of buttons) on Tuesday’s blog.

Five lucky winners will receive an assortment of buttons from Papertrey Ink!

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No…it’s Betsy Veldman, Superhero…er, I mean Paper Crafts Go-to Gal! With super powers that include cutting, stamping and gluing, plus weapons like stickers, super-sharp scissor hands, and glue gun, it’s no wonder we chose Betsy Veldman as one of our six new Paper Crafts Go-to Gals.

Her son beat us to it and awarded her Superhero status a few years ago (want to giggle? Read Betsy’s blog – it’s all about the expression on the littlest one’s face!), so we’ll just have to settle for working with her as a mere mortal. But since there’s nothing that isn’t super-powered about Betsy, set your mouse to super-scroll and read more about this super-scrapper paper crafter who grew up in small town North Dakota and now lives in Iowa.

Go-to Gal Betsy Veldman

1. Do you work outside the home? If so, what do you do? No, I do not work outside the home right now. When I did, before the birth of my third child, I worked as a floral designer.

If you noticed our Get Inspired column (p. 98) in our March/April 2009 issue, you saw Betsy’s flair for floral!

2. If a movie were to be made of your life, who would you cast to play the part of you? Gosh, I don’t know…I asked my husband and he said Alice from The Brady Bunch. What a romantic.

3. What song would you choose as the theme song for your life? The Sponge Bob theme song? Oh, wait, that’s just what I hear in the background 20 times a day!

4. What is one thing most people would be surprised to hear about you? That I hate to try different foods. I am such an American girl when it comes to my food choices…give me a hamburger and fries any day! My friends tease me and are constantly threatening to take me out and make me eat squid or something.

[So now we know that sushi is probably not an option for our next Editorial Board meeting…but for Betsy, we’ll have burgers and fries at least once!]

5. What/who inspired you to start paper crafting? My sister was actually the one who got me started. She got into scrapbooking about the time I got married and she bought me an album and a bunch of supplies. It’s kind of funny that she would be the one to start me on it, since I have always been the craftier one.

6. What is your biggest paper crafting challenge? Organization! I make such a mess when I create and I wish I could find a way to keep it under control! Sometimes I feel like I spend more time cleaning and trying to organize than actually creating. Finding time is also a big challenge (this might also have something to do with all the time I spend cleaning???). With three little ones to keep up with, life is a bit crazy sometimes!

7. If you were only allowed two items to create a card beside cardstock and adhesive, what would they be? This is an easy one…stamps and my Cricut. Can’t live without either one!

8. What is your favorite occasion or holiday to paper craft and why? Christmas! I love creating little handmade gifts for friends and family. It’s a great excuse to spoil everyone with little treats. It might just be the handmade tags on the gifts, or a handmade card, but my friends and family enjoy getting something created from the heart.

9. How would you describe your style? I think my style is colorful, bright, full of details and has just a touch of vintage funk.

Look for the supplies and instructions for Betsy’s adorable treat bag in our Sept/Oct issue, on sale in two weeks!

10. When is your favorite time to craft? Definitely late at night when the house is quiet. I drink a little caffeine around 9:00 p.m. and as soon as the little ones are tucked in bed, my mind starts to unwind and the creativity flows a lot easier than it does during the busyness of the day.

11. What sort of music do you listen to while crafting? Many times I just like to have it quiet and peaceful, since I usually craft late at night, but if I listen to anything, it’s usually just the radio.

12. How does your family participate in your paper crafting passion? My kids love to hang out with me in my craft room. It doesn’t always work out so well with the two-year-old, but my other two children love to craft with me, especially my 5-year-old daughter. She has her own stash of stuff and I love to see what her little creative mind comes up with!

13. When it comes to calls and deadlines, how do you keep yourself organized? I have a calendar hanging above my desk that I write all of the calls and deadlines on. It’s right above my computer, so it’s always right there in front of me!

14. Do you remember what Paper Crafts issue your first project appeared in? How has your style changed since then? Hmm…I think the first issue I was ever in was the August 2007 issue [Yep! She’s on pgs. 53, 57, and 75!]. I’m not sure how much my style has changed – I still love bright colors and lots of details, although I do feel like I’ve really grown as a designer since then. I’ve learned so much about different techniques and I think my work has become more polished. I also don’t think I owned more than a handful of stamps back then, and today stamps are such an integral part of my paper crafting.

15. What are you looking forward to most about being a Paper Crafts Go-to Gal? Working more closely with all the special people at Paper Crafts. They are such a joy to work with. Their creativity and vision for the magazine are just outstanding!

[Thanks, Betsy! We think you’re pretty special, too!]

16. Have you contributed to any design teams in the past or present? If so, which ones? Yes, I’ve contributed to quite a few design teams, past and present. Some of my past commitments include Tinkering Ink and Inque Boutique. Currently, I design for Papertrey Ink and Provo Craft (for their Cricut and Cuttlebug team). I also do a bit of freelance work for Die Cuts With a View for some of their QVC shows.

17. Name three designers whose styles you like and why they appeal to you.

Heather Bailey (the color and pattern combinations in her fabrics blow me away! it also helps that my biggest love after paper is fabric!)

18. Do you have any advice/tips for someone who’s never been published or who wants to submit for the first time? It’s been said a million times, but you can’t be published if you don’t submit! And don’t give up if you’re not chosen the first time! I think I submitted for over a year before I had anything picked up by Paper Crafts. Also, take clear, crisp, bright photographs and make sure your work is clean and polished. When you see a call, print it out and go down the list…many times I try to make at least one card or project for every section of the call. It challenges me and gets my creative juices flowing.

And we’re happy to have those Superhero creative juices! Since Betsy loves stamps so much, especially those from Papertrey Ink, I’ve got some PTI stamp sets to give away. Leave Betsy a cheery welcome note in the comments section no later than midnight MST on Sunday, July 19 and I’ll pick six lucky winners!